So you refinish your cabinets, now you’re wondering, “How do I keep them clean?” Here are some quick tips to keeping your kitchen cabinets looking great for years to come!

Pick Your Cleanser: The first step is to make sure the cleanser that you use isn’t too strong. Laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids make great cleansers but you’ll want to dilute them with one part detergent and two parts warm water so it doesn’t ruin the finish. If you choose laundry detergent it’s more effective if you choose one that is designed to remove grease and oil. If you’re just doing a regular cleaning use a solution of half vinegar and half water to prevent build up!

Outside: Start from the outside in using a soft sponge or washcloth, not steel wool or scrub brushes that will scratch the finish. Start cleaning a hidden area first to make sure your cleaning won’t damage the cabinet. Pay extra attention to the areas around door handles and drawer pulls, as these places tend to be the dirtiest, remove the hardware if you can to make it easier.

Inside: Empty the cabinet, vacuum or sweep the crumbs from inside and use a sponge or cloth with your solution to clean the shelves, bottom, and sides of the cabinet interior. Replace the shelf liners if they are dirty or worn. Before putting the cabinet’s contents back wipe down the interior with a clean, damp cloth and dry it with a towel to remove any cleanser residue. Read More